Hog deaths caused by changing weather

published March 18, 2009 in BusinessWorld

TACLOBAN CITY — Veterinarians in Southern Leyte have said that the recent hog deaths were caused by sudden weather changes and not by any disease.

Victor Macopia, provincial veterinary office chief, told BusinessWorld: "We found out that the animals merely suffered from common colds, abnormal body temperature and lack of appetite. These are caused by sudden changes of weather."

Over 200 sick animals have been slaughtered in the province in the past two months.
Rey Alinsub, a veterinarian of the provincial government, said their office was alarmed by reports of animal deaths in Bontoc town early last month.

"The farmers slaughtered the animals after observing that they have lost their appetite," Mr. Alinsub said.

Mr. Macopia said the hog raisers were concerned that their animals have been stricken by Ebola Reston, salmonella or hog cholera.

Sick animals were reported in Sogod and Bontoc towns as well as in Maasin City.

Mr. Macopia said they have undertaken a massive information drive to stop the slaughter and urge the raisers to observe or treat the animals.

"The situation has been controlled. There are no more unusual slaughtering and mortalities among hogs in affected areas lately," Mr. Macopia added.

Hog diseases have been reported in 18 towns and one city of Eastern Visayas since late last year. – Sarwell Q. Meniano